Arthritis my old enemy <br /> insidious and stealthy foe <br /> attacks my joints determinedly. <br />An enemy I’ve come to know <br />as I grow old: Intimately. <br /> <br />I have no choice I must accept. <br />That when the weathers damp and cold <br /> the aches and pains which I expect <br />return and take firmer hold <br />on any joint which they select. <br /> <br />This is the price I have to pay <br />for living to a ripe old age <br />There’s no effective remedy, <br /> although pain killers may assuage <br /> the pain temporarily. <br /> <br />When winter comes I stay indoors <br />resume my thermal underwear. <br />Don’t venture out without good cause <br /> and if I must I take good care. <br />Make sure I’m warmly dressed of course. <br /> <br />Arthritis my old enemy <br />ensures that I obey the rules. <br />The limits which it sets for me. <br />Disobedience is for fools <br /> prepared to suffer needlessly. <br /> <br />I won’t give in I can defy <br />if not defeat my enemy <br />It only means I have to try <br /> to retain my mobility. <br />When normal rules do not apply. <br /> <br />18-Jan-08<br /><br />ivor or ivor.e hogg<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/unwelcome-guest/
